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You would think the term “most valuable player” is a simple sentiment, however it’s constantly misconstrued and debated across all major sports. Is it only about stats? Does winning matter? Do you need to play every game? Why don’t the playoffs count? And so on.
In football, as NFL Network’s Eric Edholm explained, quarterback is without a doubt the most valuable position in football and in turn is awarded as such. The last 10 NFL MVPs have all been quarterbacks.
To show some love for the rest of the roster, Edholm went through each NFL team and named a “non-QB MVP” candidate for each. The Patriots’? Linebacker Matthew Judon:
“The Patriots must know they can't survive in 2023 winning shootouts. Even if the career of third-year pro Mac Jones is revived by Bill O'Brien, returning to call plays in New England after 11 seasons away, this offense -- as it's currently constructed -- reads as a middling group. At best.
So that puts an outsized responsibility on the defense in a tough division. If the Patriots are to win this season, it will be because this veteran unit thrives as it did a few years ago, making game-changing plays on the regular.
Judon was the Patriots' best defender the past two seasons. He's been a bit streaky from time to time, but he's explosive, aggressive and instinctive. His pass-rush effectiveness was at an all-time high last season, but even if he doesn't rack up 15.5 sacks again, Judon can impact games in a number of ways and must be accounted for by opposing offenses every game.”
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Judon has been sensational for New England’s defense since signing a four-year, $56 million contract with the club in the Spring of 2021. Through two seasons in Foxborough he’s tallied 120 total tackles, 28 sacks, and made the Pro Bowl following each campaign.
Not only has he put up his own numbers, but his presence on the field has opened up opportunities for his teammates as well. Judon’s linebacking counterpart, Josh Uche, put up a career season in 2022 in part thanks to him being on the other side and dictating protection. The third-year pro out of Michigan notched 11.5 sacks and 27 total tackles last season (both career highs) and is setting himself up for a massive payday following the 2023 season.
While Judon is certainly worthy of the honor, I’m going else where with my Patriots non-QB MVP pick.
It’s safety Kyle Dugger.
When the Patriots drafted Dugger out of Lenoir-Rhyne in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, eyes immediately rolled and many questioned why in the world Bill Belichick would take a chance on a Division II safety.
Well, the 6-foot-2 playmaker almost immediately proved his doubters wrong. Dugger has been an incredibly solid piece in the backend of the Patriots' defense over the last three seasons. He's tallied 234 total tackles, seven interceptions, and led the NFL with three defensive touchdowns in 2023. The dude’s a playmaker and could leap to new heights this season heading into an all-important contract year.
When long-time Patriots safety Devin McCourty retired this offseason, the Patriots re-signed defensive back Jalen Mills with the idea of moving him from cornerback to safety (his original position), and having him play alongside Dugger to help fill the void that the captain was leaving. Now, however, with cornerback Jack Jones' status now very much up in the air following his arrest last month, it wouldn't be shocking to see Mills moved back to corner once again.
If this does become the case, the fate of the safety room would once again be put back in Dugger’s hands. If he continues to shine as he's done through his first three seasons, he’ll undoubtedly have an argument as the Patriots' MVP in 2023.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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